11/17/16

Hi, everyone! Sorry I've been so absent on my blog this fall. I've been auditioning lots and working on cool indie projects. I've also curated my first art/music show, performed live for the first time as my musical alias Sad China, and attended the first session of The Future Is You and Me workshops (aimed to empower women of colour artists) in October alone.

The event I curated, Objets d' Arc, was also an evening for community empowerment, especially for young, emerging femme-identifying artists. Od'A featured femme-identifying artists Miki Aurora, ACE duo, Kyla James, Simone Sylvan, Liz Kim, Elli Zogia, Nina Chwelos, Samia Sun, and Zhamak Fullad, with DJ Rachel Fay spinning tunes throughout the night. The full album of photos from the show are uploaded onto my official Facebook page here, for your viewing pleasure. Video footage of the performances will be uploaded onto my Youtube channel soon.

The art scene can be exclusionary and toxic for femme-identifying individuals. I have had my own share of predatory situations and misogyny, perpetrated by the very people (i.e. older male artists) who should have mentored me, instead of sexually exploiting and objectifying me. I have been very honest about my personal experiences as a young WOC artist in my Sad China EP, particularly on "Community?" and "Is It That Bad?", but I know there are stories that have yet to be told. I urge you now, if you have a voice in our community, stand with me, lean on me, and we can tell our stories.

Recently, I released my latest track "Ocean Girl" as a healing song for femmes in our community, my femme-identifying friends, and myself. The song uses the ocean as a way to overcome our past abuse, and signify our continuous rebirth. I identify with the powerful, vast force of nature, and I want you to as well. We are stronger than a hurricane. We are an ocean.

I'm looking forward to creating the visual concept for the "Ocean Girl" music video, and be ready to shoot by April 2017. If you are a videographer wanting to collab for this project, please do email me.

Last but not least, I want to thank Vancouver Art and Leisure (a.k.a. Gallery 1965) for giving me this space. This venue has been like a second home to me, ever since I started working door in January. Thank you for providing emerging artists with opportunities and support, like the way you provided for me and my artists.

9/8/16

As the weather changes, so does my hemline. I gravitate towards leggings and pants during the colder months for warmth, mostly because I have 0 body fat (except around my stomach, but that's a story for another day). So while the weather is still somewhat tolerable with the occasional spot of sunshine, make the most of it with these transitional statement pieces, pulled from Stylewe.

These effortlessly-chic pants make it easy for you to look smart and well-put together. Literally anything will match these pants, and it will take no time in the morning to get dressed. See a trend here? I tend to go for easy and comfy.

Leggings that look like high-waisted skinnies? Sign me up. Colour is important too. Soft baby pink is making a comeback. My new room is literally decorated floor-to-ceiling in baby pink. (Photos will be coming soon, I promise.)

Anything with patches sewn on is gonna be big this season. As we revere our childhood and view it as the main source for all our fortunes and misfortunes as adults, we revere the clothing that reminds us of that time too. Case in point, +IAMKARENO's #BBHOODZ. Patches and pastel colours on oversized silhouettes is the lovechild of our nostalgia.

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to receive the latest updates on my acting and music career. I'm currently curating an all-female artist showcase for October 13th, along with releasing my new single "Ocean Girl", so you don't wanna miss out. <3

7/31/16

As you may know from following my Instagram, I traveled to Los Angeles for one week with two of my friends a couple months ago. This post is not about that trip. Even though I had planned on reminiscing the many stories from L.A. with you, dear readers, I can only say this: life is about the Now, and I have to start living In This Moment.

There are a lot more things I need to write down, more important things -- lines for song lyrics, stream of consciousness during moments of self-realization, ideas for short films, instant contributions via social media that dismantle the heteronormative white supremacist patriarchy, and so on. Now I have to start writing for the girls who live in the Now: girls of colour, girls working in the creative industry, Asian aspiring actresses, girls who grew up living more than one culture, girls who feel confined in their identities, femme-identifying individuals... the confused young girl I used to be, who I am still struggling with today.

I have to start writing things that produce change in the way girls are viewed in society and media, especially girls of colour, specifically Asian girls. I shall refer you to this collective to get started (SAD ASIAN GIRLS CLUB).

I have to continue to learn and execute my crafts, whether it be producing/composing music, writing prose/poetry/lyrics, acting (it's not just acting, it's learning to accept myself), and I have to continue to be open to the New (new people, new friends, new directions) even though I have been hurt in the past. And I have to continue to grow.

If you hold the same beliefs as I do, and want to create something with me, please shoot me an email at "sunny.mimi.chen@hotmail.com". Once I finish my rough draft for the short film I want to direct, I will definitely be contacting people who are (or should be) interested.

(Click photos to enlarge them for your viewing pleasure.) Let's celebrate 23 years of narcissism, having been raised by the TV. Achievements Unlocked: obtaining a BA in psychology with a minor in English literature {plus} actively pursuing my dreams. Do not be afraid.